Training putter

ABSTRACT

A teaching device for use in the instruction of putting a golf ball comprising a club head, an elongated handle, an impact surface effective to be urged away from the face of the club head, a loading mechanism effective to preset the force to be exerted against the impact surface to any of an infinite number of settings within a predetermined range, and a release mechanism for activating the device when the club head is pressed down against the putting surface.

United States Patent Welch TRAINING PUTTER [76] Inventor: Medard W. Welch, l l l l Sheridan Rd., Winnetka, II]. 60093 [22] Filed: Sept. 30, 1974 [2|] Appl. No.: 510,481

52 vs. C: 273/183 R; 273/193 R; 273/129; 35/29 A; 273/77 R 51 Int. Cl. A63!) 69/36; A63b 53/08 [58] Field of Search 273/77, 179, 129, 87, 87.2, 273/87.4, 183; 35/29 A f 5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 769,939 9/l904 Clark 2. 273/77 R |,6l8,638 2/l927 Coles 273/77 R 2,043,677 6/1936 Salomon 273/129 [4 1 July 8,1975

5/1955 Brandell 273/179 A 7/1966 Beigay 7. 273/77 R Primary Examiner-George J Marlo Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Kinzer, Plyer, Dom & McEachran [57] ABSTRACT A teaching device for use in the instruction of putting a golf ball comprising a club head, an elongated handle, an impact surface effective to be urged away from the face of the club head, a loading mechanism effective to preset the force to be exerted against the impact surface to any of an infinite number of settings within a predetermined range, and a release mechanism for activating the device when the club head is pressed down against the putting surface.

3 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures TRAINING PUTTER SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to golf accessories and more particularly to a teaching device for use in the instruction of putting a golf ball.

A primary object of the invention is a teaching device capable of exerting a predetermined force selected from an infinite number of settings within a finite range to propel a golf ball.

Another object is a teaching device capable of striking a golf ball toward a cup with a standard force dependent only on the distance between the ball and cup so that a golfer may learn from the path of a golf ball hit by the standard force what changes in force and direction are necessary to compensate for the conditions of a particular green.

Another object is a teaching device which is small, light and easily portable in a standard golf bag.

Another object is a teaching device capable of pro pelling a gold ball, which device may be aimed and activated from the golfers normal putting stance.

Another object is a teaching device of rigid construction capable of withstanding rough handling over a long period of time.

Other objects will appear in the ensuing specification, claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is illustrated diagrammatically in the following drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the invention showing the impact surface in its released position;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the invention, showing the impact surface in the loaded position;

FIG. 3 is a top view similar to FIG. 2, partly fragmented and partly in section;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the impact surface and pins on which it is mounted;

FIG. 5 is an end view of the impact surface of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the vertical release plate and scale retainer; and

FIG. 7 is a front view of the release plate and scale retainer showing the guide means of the release plate.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The teaching device of the present invention, as shown in the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. l-7, is assembled on a club head indicated generally at 10, which has a generally vertical front face 12. An elongated handle 14 extends upward and slightly outward from the club head adjacent one edge of the front face.

An impact surface 16 forms the front surface of an impact plate 18 which is rigidly mounted on the end of a pair of guide pins 20. The shape of the impact surface 16 is shown best in FIG. 5. The guide pins 20 are rigidly affixed to the impact plate by welding or other suitable means. In addition, a spring retainer pin 22, shown best in FIG. 3, extends rearwardly from the impact plate 18 from a position between pins 20, as indicated in FIG. 5. Spring retainer pin 22 is likewise rigidly affixed to the impact plate.

Each of the guide pins 20 in the preferred embodiment, shown best in FIG. 4, is substantially longer than the depth of the club head measured from the front face to the back surface. A notch 23 is formed laterally across the top surface of each pin at a point spaced from the impact plate by a distance slightly greater than the depth of the club head. The rear edge of each pin is beveled at 24 to facilitate insertion of the pin in the club head as explained below. Finally, a short flat portion 26 is formed along a bottom rear surface of each pin to provide a setscrew retaining surface for a purpose described below.

Three holes are provided through the body of the club head axially normal to the front face thereof for receiving the guide pins and spring retainer pin, as shown in FIG. 3. The center hole 28 is generally aligned with the center of the front face of the club head with the remaining two holes spaced therefrom as indicated by the pattern shown on the impact plate in FIG. 5. The outer guide pin holes are large enough to slidably receive the guide pins and restrict their motion to back and forth axial travel through the respective holes. The center hole has a greater diameter through a front portion of the club head to a point indicated at 30 where the diameter is abruptly decreased. The hole is threaded from that point to the back surface of the club head for a purpose described below.

A helical compression spring 32 has one end engaged over and around spring retaining pin 32, shown best in FIGS. 1 and 3. The inner end of the compression spring is insertable into a center hole 28 to engage a spring bearing member 34. Compression spring 32 need not be attached to either spring retaining pin 34 or impact plate 18, since its inherent spring force will tend to hold it in engagement with these members.

Insertable into the rear threaded portion of center hole 28, is a load dial 36 comprising an inner threaded portion 38 and an outer unthreaded extension 40 pro truding outwardly from the back surface of the club head. The inner end surface of load dial 36 bears against spring bearing member 34 and is held into engagement with it by the force of compression spring 32. Thus, as the load dial is rotated clockwise, it forces spring bearing member 34 inward, thereby tending to compress spring 32. A handle 42 having shallow longitudinal grooves is attached to the outer end of the load dial to provide leverage and a gripping surface for rotating the same.

To engage the impact plate in its load position adjacent the front face of the club head as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a release mechanism indicated generally at 44 is provided. In the preferred embodiment, the mechanism is an assembly comprising a release plate 46. Three holes are spaced horizontally across the plate as shown in FIG. 7. A center hole 48, adapted to receive load dial 36, is slightly wider than the diameter of load dial 36 and vertically elongated to permit some freedom of vertical movement of the plate about the load dial. Outer holes 50 are so positioned relative to center hole 48 and of sufficient dimension to receive guide pins 20 when the release plate is installed on the device as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The upper surface of each hole 50 is generally flattened for a purpose described below.

Attached to the front of release plate 46 is a guide bar 52, shown best in FIGS. 1 and 7. In the preferred embodiment, the guide bar bears against a bottom portion of release plate 46 to which it is attached by any suitable means, such as the nuts and bolts 54 shown in the drawing. An intermediate portion of guide bar 52 is inclined forward and upward, terminating in an upper portion which is parallel to and spaced from release plate 46. The guide bar is provided with a slightly vertically elongated hole aligned with hole 48 of the release plate. A slot 56 in the upper portion of the guide bar is also provided for a purpose described below.

A guide slot 58 is formed in the bottom surface of the club head for receipt of the guide bar in its assembled position. The guide slot 58 is spaced from the rearmost surface of the club head by a distance generally equal to the spacing between the upper portion of the guide bar and release plate. At least a center portion of slot 58 extends upward into the club head slightly above hole 28.

Attached to the front side of release plate 46 is a scale retainer 60 which likewise may be attached by nuts and bolts 54 or any other suitable means. In the preferred embodiment shown best in FIG. 6, the sides of the scale retainer are tapered inwardly at 62 so as not to obstruct passage of the guide pins through holes 50 in the release plate. A center hole 64 is provided to accommodate insertion of load dial 36 therethrough in its assembled position. A scale slot 66 is formed in an upper portion of the scale retainer at a height slightly above the top surface of release plate 46 (FIG. 6).

A scale 68 (FIGS. I and 2) is formed from a strip of resilient material. A short end portion 70 is bent generally normal to the remainder of the scale in order to engage load dial 36. A generally shallow annular channel 72 (FIG. 3) is provided adjacent the front edge of extension 40 of the load dial to receive end portion 70. The free end of end portion 70 is U-shaped having a pair of legs spaced sufficiently to be inserted over and about the narrowed portion of the load dial within slot 72 but less than the diameter of extension 40. Therefore, scale 68 is constrained to travel axially with load dial 36 when the U-shaped portion 70 straddles the load dial within channel 72.

The remainder of the scale extends forward through slot 66 in scale retainer 60 to overlie the top surface of club head 10. The scale retainer is effective to prevent rotation of scale 68 with load dial 36 and yet to allow the scale to be displaced linearly therewith. Furthermore, slot 66 in the scale retainer may be disposed at such a height as to cause the scale to be bowed slightly and to bear against the top surface of the club head.

The teaching device of the present invention comprises an assembly of the various parts described above. In order to assemble the device, the release plate 46, guide bar 52 and scale retainer 60 may be fastened together with a pair of nuts and bolts 54 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Guide bar 52 of this assembly may then be inserted into guide slot 58 in the bottom of the club head so that hole 48 is aligned with the center hole 28 extending through the club head. Scale 68 may then be inserted through slot 66 of scale retainer 60 as load dial 36 is screwed into the threaded center hole on the back of the club head. Load dial 36 thus retains the release mechanism in its assembled position. Compression spring 32 may be placed over spring retainer pin 22 with spring bearing member 34 engaged against the inner end of the spring. As guide pins are inserted into the respective holes through the club head provided for them, spring 32 is inserted into the center hole 28 causing the spring bearing member 34 to engage the inner end of load dial 36. As the ends of guide pins 20 protrude outwardly from the back surface of the club head, a collar 74 is placed over the end of each. Each collar is provided with a setscrew 76 which may be tightened against the flattened end portion 26 of each guide pin to lock the collars in place. Finally, a lock spring 78 is fastened to the underside of club head I0 to urge the release plate downwardly so that the flattened upper edge of holes 50 will bear against guide pins 20. The rear end of lock spring 78 is hooked to engage guide bar 52 through slot 56. The front end of the lock spring may be fastened to the underside of the club head 10 with a screw 80 (FIG. 1) or any suitable means.

Referring again to FIG. 2, calibrations 82 are marked on scale 68 adjacent one edge thereof. An indicator line 84 is marked on the upper surface of the club head adjacent the same edge. Calibrations 82 should span a sufficient range so that for any axial portion of load dial 36, indicator mark 84 will be aligned with or between calibrations 82.

The use. operation and function of the invention are as follows:

The teaching device of the present invention is used in the instruction of putting a golf ball by propelling a practice ball toward a cup with a standard force dependent solely on the distance between the ball and the cup. The golfer can then judge from the path followed by the practice shot what corrections in force and direction are necessary to make an accurate putt.

In order for the teaching device of the present invention to propel a golf ball, the device first must be loaded. To do this, impact plate 18 is compressed against the front face of the club head against the urging of spring 32 far enough so that notches 23 of guide pins 20 are forced through holes 50 of release plate 46. Lock spring 78 is then effective to force release plate 46 downwardly, engaging the flattened upper surface of holes 50 with notches 23, thereby effectively retaining impact plate 18 in its loaded position. Handle 42 of load dial 36 may then be rotated to align indicator mark 84 on the club head with the point on the calibrated scale 68 corresponding to the length of a putt to be attempted.

In order to activate the loaded teaching device to propel a practice golf ball toward a cup, a golfer may position his body over the practice golf ball in his normal putting stance and grip the teaching device similar to his putter. Club head 10 may then be positioned directly behind a practice ball, with the impact surface 16 centered on and normal to the straight line between the centers of the cup and practice ball. With the device properly positioned, the golfer need only press handle 14 downward toward the green or putting surface in order to activate the teaching device. Since the bottom of release plate 46 bears against the putting surface, the downward force on handle 14 is effective to lower club head 10 against the urging of lock spring 78. As a result, guide pins 20 are forced downwardly in holes 50 of the release plate, thereby disengaging notches 23 from the flattened upper surfaces of holes 50. At that point, compression spring 32 expands with a burst of energy forcing impact surface 16 against the practice golf ball.

Loading the device of the present invention causes spring 32 to be compressed, thereby storing potential energy for use upon activation of the device. The force which will be exerted against a golf ball by impact plate i8 is directly proportionate to the amount of potential energy stored in compression spring 32 which, in turn, is directly proportionate to the compression of the spring. Since the micrometerlike load dial 36 is effective to adjust the compression of spring 32 to any of an infinite number of settings within the limited range of axial travel of the load dial within club head 10, the device may be set to exert the exact amount of force required for any putt within a corresponding distance range.

Calibrations of the scale of the teaching device may be marked according to the distances a golf ball would be propelled on an average flat green or the scale may be calibrated to match the actual putting conditions of a particular course at a particular time. To do this, the device may be activated several times propelling a golf ball on a flat green. On each activation the dial indicator would be adjusted so that a different calibration line would be aligned with indicator mark 84 when the device is loaded. The distance a ball was propelled upon each activation could then be entered on the scale corresponding to the calibration line at which the device was set. After three or four such trial activations to insure accuracy, the remaining calibrations of the scale can be easily interpolated from the prior entries.

The range within which the teaching device of the present invention will be effective to propel a golf ball is determined by the length and spring rate of spring 32. In the preferred embodiment, a spring is used which enables the teaching device to be set to exert proper amount of force for any putt of a distance less than approximately 50 feet. in other embodiments, different springs could be inserted for different distance ranges, i.e., one spring effective for l to 30 foot putts and another for 30 to 60 foot putts.

Whereas the preferred form of the invention has been described herein, it should be realized that there may be many modifications, subsitutions and alterations thereto. Handle 14 may be of any desired configuration and attached at various positions on the club head. Likewise, the number and shape of guide pins 20, as well as the shape of impact plate 18, may be varied as desired. Release plate 46, guide bar 52 and spring retainer 60 may be formed as a unit or an assembly as shown.

While the release mechanism has been shown as activated by pressing down on the putter which causes the latch or plate 46 to rise releasing the rods 20 and spring 32, it should be understood that the release may be effected by a linkage, cable, wire or what-have-you extending up through or along the shaft of the putter to the handle so that, for example, one finger of the user could depress a button, pull a ring, squeeze the handle, etc. to release the latch mechanism. So the particular form of release, i.e., pressing down against the ground, is merely one form of how the device may be actuated. The details of the preferred embodiment of the teaching device shown in the drawings have been chosen simply to simulate an actual putting iron, the use of which may facilitate the instruction for which it is intended.

An important point is that the teaching device of the present invention be adjustable to an infinite number of settings within a limited range so that the required force corresponding to the exact distance between a ball and cup may be preset and exerted by the device upon activation.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

l. A device for use in the instruction of putting a golf ball comprising a club head having a front face, an elongated handle affixed to the club head, an impact surface associated with the front face of the club head, said impact surface being rigidly mounted at the end of a pin which is slidably supported in an opening through the club head extending axially generally normal to the front face thereof, urging means comprising a compression spring effective to force the impact surface outward away from the face of the club head, loading means effective to preset the force to be exerted by the urging means to any of an infinite number of settings within a predetermined range, said loading means comprising a micrometerlike threaded load dial, the rotation of which in one direction being effective to compress the compression spring and rotation in the other direction allowing the spring to expand, calibrations associated with said loading means for indicating the setting thereof, an indicator effective to cooperate with said calibrations to indicate the position of the threaded load member relative to the club head. and a release mechanism for activating the urging means, said device further comprising at least two of said pins. each having a notch cut laterally across its top surface for engaging the release mechanism, said release mechanism comprising a generally vertical release plate, guide means associated with the club head, to restrict said release plate to movement in a generally vertical plane adjacent the backside of the club head, and a lock spring urging the release plate downward into engagement with the pins, thereby being effective to engage the release plate in the notches of the pins and to retain the impact surface in a position adjacent the front face of the club head against the urging of the compression spring.

2. A device according to claim 1 further characterized in that said release plate is provided with at least three holes through which the threaded load dial and pins extend, said release plate extending downwardly from said holes below the bottom surface of the club head.

3. A device according to claim 2 further characterized by and including an indicator mark on the top surface of the club head and scale upon which said calibrations are marked overlying the top surface of the club head adjacent the indicator mark, said scale being attached to the threaded load dial and constrained to travel axially therewith.

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1. A device for use in the instruction of putting a golf ball comprising a club head having a front face, an elongated handle affixed to the club head, an impact surface associated with the front face of the club head, said impact surface being rigidly mounted at the end of a pin which is slidably supported in an opening through the club head extending axially generally normal to the front face thereof, urging means comprising a compression spring effective to force the impact surface outward away from the face of the club head, loading means effective to preset the force to be exerted by the urging means to any of an infinite number of settings within a predetermined range, said loading means comprising a micrometerlike threaded load dial, the rotation of which in one direction being effective to compress the compression spring and rotation in the other direction allowing the spring to expand, calibrations associated with said loading means for indicating the setting thereof, an indicator effective to cooperate with said calibrations to indicate the position of the threaded load member relative to the club head, and a release mechanism for activating the urging means, said device further comprising at least two of said pins, each having a notch cut laterally across its top surface for engaging the release mechanism, said release mechanism comprising a generally vertical release plate, guide means associated with the club head, to restrict said release plate to movement in a generally vertical plane adjacent the backside of the club head, and a lock spring urging the release plate downward into engagement with the pins, thereby being effective to engage the release plate in the notches of the pins and to retain the impact surface in a position adjacent the front face of the club head against the urging of the compression spring.
 2. A device according to claim 1 further characterized in that said release plate is provided with at least three holes through which the threaded load dial and pins extend, said release plate extending downwardly from said holes below the bottom surface of the club head.
 3. A device according to claim 2 further characterized by and including an indicator mark on the top surface of the club head and scale upon which said calibrations are marked overlying the top surface of the club head adjacent the indicator mark, said scale being attached to the threaded load dial and constrained to travel axially therewith. 